Program Overview

Doctor of Pharmacy Program

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is designed to prepare students for pharmacy practice in a variety of healthcare settings. The program consists of coursework and six practical field placement experiences, and is typically completed in four years.

Program Description

The entry-to-practice PharmD program prepares students for pharmacy practice in hospitals, primary care and family care clinics, community practice, and other specialized fields. Areas of study include pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutics, practice skills, and a coordinated experiential program.

Why Study at the University of Alberta?

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers one of the leading entry-to-practice pharmacy programs in Canada, drawing from a tradition of excellence in pharmacy education, research, and practice dating back to 1914. The university is the only school of pharmacy in Alberta, providing diverse experiential placement opportunities across the province.

Program Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program include:

• General Chemistry (6 units)
• Organic Chemistry (6 units)
• Human Physiology (6 units)
• English (6 units)
• Biology (Cell Biology) (3 units)
• Biochemistry (3 units)
• Mathematics (Algebra or Calculus) (3 units)
• Statistics (3 units)
• Microbiology (3 units)

Non-Academic Requirements

Additional requirements for admission include:

• Letter of Intent
• Pharmacist Consultation Form
• Spoken Language Proficiency (if required)
• Web-based interview

Admission Criteria

Applicants must meet the English language proficiency/spoken English requirement. The primary language of instruction is English, and students must have the language skills necessary to understand, participate, and learn in classes.

Indigenous Applicants

The University of Alberta is committed to encouraging Indigenous students in their pursuit of a degree. The university's policy aims to increase opportunities for Indigenous students, with the goal of having an Aboriginal student population representative of the public it serves.

Deadline

The application deadline for the Doctor of Pharmacy program is:

• March 1, 2026, for domestic students
• March 1, 2026, for international students

Tuition and Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the student's program and citizenship status. The university offers a cost calculator to estimate tuition fees based on the specific courses registered.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students each year. Additional scholarships are available for specific faculties and programs.

Possible Careers

Graduates of the Doctor of Pharmacy program may pursue careers as:

• Consultants
• Pharmacists
• Researchers

Research Areas

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is involved in various research areas, including:

• Energy and environment
• Artificial intelligence
• Health and well-being
• Indigenous research
• Agriculture and food
• Social transformations